Vitoria-Gasteiz Medieval Market – Spain 2025

Background & History

The Vitoria-Gasteiz Medieval Market, held annually in the historic heart of the Basque Country’s capital, is one of Spain’s most vibrant cultural events. Originating in the early 2000s, this festival transforms the city’s Medieval Almond—the almond-shaped old quarter—into a living tableau of the Middle Ages. The event celebrates Vitoria-Gasteiz’s rich history, dating back to its founding in 1181 by King Sancho VI of Navarre, when it served as a vital crossroads between northern and southern Europe.

The market recreates the medieval era with over 200 artisan stalls, live demonstrations, and performances, reflecting the coexistence of Christian, Jewish, and Arabic cultures. Recognized for its authenticity, the festival draws thousands, earning accolades as a cornerstone of Basque cultural heritage and sustainable tourism, aligned with the city’s Biosphere Responsible Tourism certification.

Event Highlights

• Artisan Stalls: Over 200 stalls showcase traditional crafts like blacksmithing, carpentry, and goldsmithing, with live demonstrations of ancient techniques.
• Cultural Performances: Jugglers, musicians, and dancers perform medieval-inspired acts, with fire shows and street theater bringing history to life.
• Historical Reenactments: Displays of medieval combat, archery, and camp life offer immersive experiences of the era.
• Children’s Activities: Dedicated areas like Plaza de Fray Zacarías feature puppet shows, storytelling, and medieval games for kids.
• Gastronomic Offerings: Food stalls serve regional specialties, complemented by tabernas offering hearty medieval-inspired meals.

Date & Duration

Dates: September 25 – 28, 2025
Duration: 4 days

Venue / Location

The Medieval Market unfolds across the Medieval Almond in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, Spain, with key locations including:

• Plaza del Machete: Plaza del Machete, 01001 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, Spain. Hosts the Christian market with theater and acrobatics.
• Plaza Euskaldun Berria (Escoriaza-Esquivel): Calle Escoriaza-Esquivel, 01001 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, Spain. Features an Arabic zoco with teterías and dance performances.
• Jardín de Echanove: Calle de Fray Zacarías Martínez, 01001 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, Spain. A medieval camp with workshops and combat displays.
• Plaza de Fray Zacarías (Martín Etipia): Calle de Fray Zacarías Martínez, 01001 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, Spain. A children’s area with games and puppet shows.
• Plaza de Villa Suso: Plaza del Machete, 01001 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, Spain. A dining hub with tabernas serving regional cuisine.
• Balconada de San Miguel: Calle Mateo Benigno de Moraza, 01001 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, Spain. Showcases fantastical performances and attractions.

Contact Information

• Email: info@vitoria-gasteiz.org
• Website: www.vitoria-gasteiz.org
• Phone: +34 945 161 616 (Vitoria-Gasteiz Tourism Office)
• Organizer: La Fragua de Vulcano, info@lafraguadevulcano.es, +34 963 400 037
• Social Media: Follow #MercadoMedievalVG or @vgturismo on social platforms

Ticket Information

• How to Purchase: No tickets are required; the market is free to attend.
• Pricing: USD 0 (free admission for all activities and performances).
• Special Options: No VIP or reserved seating options, as the event is open to all with public access to stalls and shows.

Cultural Experience

The Medieval Market immerses visitors in a 12th-century atmosphere, reflecting Vitoria-Gasteiz’s historical role as a trade hub. The Medieval Almond’s cobblestone streets, named after ancient guilds (Cuchillería, Herrería), enhance the authenticity, with artisans dressed in period costumes. Performances blend Christian, Jewish, and Arabic influences, showcasing medieval Spain’s cultural diversity through music, dance, and storytelling. Visitors can engage with history through workshops on leatherworking, pottery, and weaving, while the vibrant street ambiance fosters a sense of community, aligning with Basque traditions of hospitality and cultural pride.

Food & Drinks

The market and nearby eateries offer a taste of Basque and medieval cuisine:

• Must-Try Specialties: Try pintxos (Basque tapas) like gilda (anchovy skewers) or txistorra (spicy sausage) at tabernas in Plaza de Villa Suso. Local restaurants like El Portalón (Calle Correría 151, 01001 Vitoria-Gasteiz) serve dishes such as bacalao al pil-pil (cod in garlic sauce) and chuletón (grilled steak).
• Drinks: Sample Rioja Alavesa wines, txakoli (light Basque wine), or craft ciders at market stalls or nearby bars like Sagartoki (Calle del Prado 18, 01005 Vitoria-Gasteiz).
• Payment: Stalls may prefer cash (USD equivalent via local exchange); restaurants typically accept cards.

Family & Accessibility

• Family-Friendliness: The market is highly family-friendly, with dedicated children’s zones offering games, storytelling, and puppet shows. Activities like medieval dress-up engage younger visitors.
• Accessibility: The Medieval Almond’s cobblestone streets may challenge wheelchair users, but key plazas (e.g., Plaza del Machete) are accessible. Contact the tourism office (+34 945 161 616) for specific accommodations or assistance.

Getting There

• By Air: Vitoria-Gasteiz Airport (VIT), Foronda Kalea, 01196 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava, is 9 km from the city center. Taxis (USD 15-20, 15 minutes) or bus line L14 (USD 1.50) connect to the center. Bilbao Airport (BIO), 60 km away, is another option (taxi USD 70-90, bus USD 10-12).
• Public Transport: The Vitoria-Gasteiz tram (lines T1, T2) reaches the city center from stops like Angulema (USD 1.50). City buses (10 lines, USD 1.50) operate from 6:00 to 22:00, with night buses on weekends. Bikes are available via municipal rentals (USD 3-5/day).
• Parking: Public lots like Parking Catedral (Calle del Monseñor Cadena y Eleta, 01001 Vitoria-Gasteiz) charge USD 1.50-2/hour. Street parking is limited.
• Walking: The Medieval Almond is compact, with all venues within a 10-minute walk from Plaza de la Virgen Blanca.

Program Details

• Thursday, September 25: Market opens at 18:00 with inaugural performances and artisan stalls (closes 23:00).
• Friday-Saturday, September 26-27: Full market from 11:00 to 23:30, featuring combat reenactments, Arabic dance in Plaza Euskaldun Berria, and children’s activities.
• Sunday, September 28: Market operates from 11:00 to 13:30, concluding with a grand parade and fire show.
• Key Areas: Plaza del Machete hosts Christian-themed theater; Jardín de Echanove features medieval camps; Balconada de San Miguel offers fantastical shows.

Cultural Significance

The Medieval Market reinforces Vitoria-Gasteiz’s identity as a historic and sustainable destination. Its setting in the Medieval Almond, a designated Historic Site, highlights the city’s 12th-century roots and its role as a cultural crossroads. The event’s focus on intercultural harmony—evoking Christian, Jewish, and Arabic coexistence—mirrors Spain’s medieval diversity. Aligned with the city’s Biosphere certification, it promotes responsible tourism through eco-friendly practices and local engagement.

Environmental Impact

Vitoria-Gasteiz, a European Green Capital (2012), integrates sustainability into the market. Organizers encourage public transport and cycling, with waste management systems in place. Stalls use biodegradable materials where possible, and the city’s Green Ring parks, like Salburua, offer eco-friendly exploration options nearby, supporting birdwatching and sustainable tourism.

Nearby Attractions

• Cathedral of Santa María: Cantón de las Carnicerías, 01001 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava. Offers guided tours (USD 7-10) of its Gothic architecture, inspiring novels by Ken Follett.
• Rioja Alavesa Wineries: A 30-minute drive to Laguardia (01300 Álava) for wine tastings (USD 15-30) at bodegas like Marqués de Riscal.
• Plaza de la Virgen Blanca: 01001 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Álava. A historic square with the Battle of Vitoria monument, ideal for post-market strolls.